Chart of the Month – July 2022
Sooner or later, we're likely going to see demand cool off. The big question is how quickly inflation alters consumer spending and how quickly that pulls back inflation.
What Does It Mean to Be an Investor? – Part Two
As you peek into the future – hopefully one with greater discretionary time and money – do you envision yourself increasing or decreasing your investment in the well-being of the people close to you and the world in general? Do you see yourself sticking close to the mess of the world or investing in ways that escape it?
Roadtrips & Recessions | Financial Perspectives
The economy and markets are a bit like summer car travel/construction. There's a recession and/or a bear market in the rearview mirror, you're in one, or there is one right around the corner.
Roadtrips & Recessions | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)
The economy and markets are a bit like summer car travel/construction. There's a recession and/or a bear market in the rearview mirror, you're in one, or there is one right around the corner.
A Few of My Favorite Things
Almost everyone has a few of their favorite things. One of my top questions to ask friends and clients is, “What are some of your most treasured memories and keepsakes?”
When Market Volatility Creates Opportunity
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The first half of 2022 has proven to be challenging for investors. Being an investor during volatile markets isn’t easy, but there are a few strategies to consider in order to make the best of a difficult situation.
Speeding Tickets & Investing
Recently, I received a gift from the Iowa State Patrol in the form of a speeding ticket. In reflecting on this experience, it occurred to me that I took an unnecessary risk to attain something I didn’t need and ended up sacrificing money I didn’t have to lose.
Optimistic Pessimists? | Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing
Sometimes being double minded is a problem. But could being optimistic and pessimistic at the same time be a good thing for an investor? Surprisingly, the answer may be yes!
Optimistic Pessimists? | Financial Perspectives (In a Minute)
Category: Investing
Sometimes being double minded is a problem. But could being optimistic and pessimistic at the same time be a good thing for an investor? Surprisingly, the answer may be yes!
Teaching Your Kids to Invest Early in Life
Category: Financial Planning
One of the concerns I continually hear from the clients I work with is whether the next generation can handle money well. The only way to know is to give them an opportunity. Helping them invest early and often will teach them discipline, patience, how to manage their emotions and the power of compound interest. All of it is essential learning on the path to financial independence . . . and many other things in life, as well.
How One Client Lives a Meaningful, Generous Life
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
At Foster Group, we encourage our clients to live lives of meaning and generosity, and some of our clients embody this. Of all the amazing stories I’ve heard, the following has impacted me most deeply.
Umbrella Insurance Is Just a Catch All Policy, Right?
Category: Financial Planning
Guest Blogger Tim Hibbing. Umbrella policies are becoming more and more popular in our litigious culture.
How Will You Pay for Long-Term Care?
Category: Financial Planning
Chances are, you’ve heard about long-term care insurance, but have you asked yourself if you need it?
I Lead a Team of Financial Advisors, Here are 5 Reasons Not to Hire One
Category: Foster Group
I love the place I work, I love the people I work with, and I think the work we do is almost always worth the money people pay us. Despite the fact I value all these things, I’ve come to realize there are some good reasons not to work with us.
June 21, 2021 Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing
As investors we are bombarded with continuous news on the stock market and bonds. We think it can be helpful to take a step back and ask the question: are the indexes on the financial media a proper point of reference for you?
Four Dimensional Mutual Funds Will Be Converted to Exchange Traded Funds on June 11th
Category: Investing
Four Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) mutual funds that are held in after-tax accounts managed by Foster Group at Schwab and TD Ameritrade will be converted by DFA to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) on Friday, June 11th.
I Want to Be Like Them
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Stories like this spread and inspire others to be generous.
June 7, 2021 Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Alternative Investments
It’s summertime and we have two summer’s worth of movies to look forward to after 2020’s reduced calendar. AMC, a company that runs movie theaters has seen their stock value go way up in the past few weeks. Is this about great movies or something else?
This week Kent Kramer talks about two different valuation theories: Firm Foundation Theory and Castle-in-the-air Theory.
Decoding Crypto(currency) Webinar, June 3, 2021
Category: Investing » Alternative Investments
Are you curious about all the buzz around Cryptocurrency? What is it and should you consider investing in it? Tune in to our on-demand webinar where Kent Kramer, Jason Brown, and Ryne Oller dive into decoding cryptocurrency.
Alphabet Soup
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Many industries use acronyms. Financial services are no different: QCD, RMD, DAF, and IRA to name a few. They each have their own rules and guidelines. We enjoy working with clients on a daily basis to help make sense of these terms.
5/29 is for 529’s
May 29th is National 529 plan day. While there are many ways to save for future college expenses, a 529 plan remains one of the best.